Becoming Incurable

Victoria Suan

Becoming Incurable

Victoria Suan

Documentary

Feature

Sacramento

Becoming Incurable is a film that highlights a growing narrative behind diagnosis with a chronic, incurable illness. Through intimate storytelling, the film uncovers provocative arguments surrounding isolation, societal treatment, and personal views of our current healthcare system.

Becoming Incurable is a film that highlights a growing narrative behind diagnosis with a chronic, incurable illness. Through intimate storytelling, the film uncovers provocative arguments surrounding isolation, societal treatment, and personal views of our current healthcare system.

1,100 followers

Participating In

Green Light

RAISED $16,732

for POST-PRODUCTION

185 supporters, 1,100 followers

Inclusion Statement

Over 100 million Americans live with one or more chronic conditions yet these stories are extremely unrepresented. Fortunately, this is changing and our film wants to help lay out an inclusive narrative by exploring lives defined by low income, LGBTQ views, disability, and religious views.

About The Project

The film dives into the lives of three individuals in their struggle with severe, chronic illnesses: Sofia, Charis, and Leo.

Sofia lives at home, but manages to share her experience through a photo-book during a time she contracted illnesses that wouldn’t go away. Since 2008, Sofia was living with Lyme Disease. Her co-infections contracted by the tick bite caused her severe mold illness that resulted in fatigue, dizziness, and fainting episodes. This was a time where doctors had been illiterate of the disease and unfortunately left her without a diagnosis. Both Sofia and her mother were desperate to figure out what she was going through. The illnesses also contributed towards much joint pain, specifically in her heels near the area she was infected. She could not stand for more than 20 minutes at a time. For the first time ever, she had to be pushed in a wheelchair in order to participate in color guard during a marching band event. Finally, a year after high school, she was diagnosed with Lyme. The bad news was that doctors were unsure how to treat it.

Leo Suan, a husband and father of 3, became a health and fitness advocate with a steady following on his blog consisting of workout forums and muscle building products. He was on a path to redeem his health and start a new career when suddenly, at 39 years old, he was showing signs of what was later to be diagnosed as severe Dystonia. In time, Junie would eventually leave his full time job as his condition worsened in ways such as losing control of his foot, slurring his words, and his back began to hunch. Muscle contractions were also frightening moments for Junie and his wife, Marimi. Both Marimi and Leo's mother, Mae, realized they would need to step in and work together to take care of Junie in addition to their family.

Charis (middle), 30, spends most of her time in her one bedroom apartment. In the film, she shares what her life was like before Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and after. Charis was an athletic girl growing up but since the age of 13, different parts of her body were aching and cramping. Over time she had more symptoms, causing her to lead a very difficult life as she attempted to do normal things. As time passed, she would not be able to walk for more than a quarter mile or sit upright for very long as it would aggravate her lower back. This forced her to quit ongoing physical activities such as soccer. Respiratory problems eventually arose that provoked heart attack scares and hospital visits. Days after her 26th birthday in 2013, there was finally an answer to what was happening: she inherited AS, her father’s disease. This was a milestone given that for over a decade, she was living with this progressive disease. As her and her father’s destinies aligned, Charis was forced to accept her new reality. In just a few years time, her father would pass away from the disease in 2016.

Lyme Disease eventually took Sofia’s chance at college away as well as opportunities to travel and her ability to take on strenuous physical activities. Overall, it limited Sofia tremendously. She left school to recover in Elk Grove, California. The film follows her daily routine, her relationship with her boyfriend, and attending support groups in her area, she discovered what’s known as a “Death Valley sabbatical” for those who have severe mold illness from their co-infections. Sofia decided she would do so in order to escape mold in the dry climate. After hiking, walking, and living without the fear of mold, she came back home without the reliance of a wheelchair. She has steadily become her own physician, studying causes of Lyme and alternative treatments to help her get closer to the normal, functioning person she used to be. Her goal is to go back to school and get the degree she was working towards.

Junie’s Dystonia has now become chronic, leaving Marimi as his full time caretaker and the family’s dominant parental figure for their two daughters and son. Junie’s only choice was to undergo neurosurgery. With his wife, children, and mother by his side, Junie was brave enough to move forward with it. After surgery, hope looked more real than ever. Miraculously, Junie became able to stand up, involuntary movements decreased, and best of all, Junie was laughing, smiling, and crying. Junie’s current goals are to be able to walk, speak better, and build his confidence to go out more. His overall goal is to help others in his situation and learning more about occupational therapy.

Since the discovery of her AS, Charis’s biggest obstacle has been finding specific, affordable treatment through her healthcare plan. Instead of losing hope, she has become an incredibly determined individual, advocating awareness during city council meetings and to the public at large. In addition, she has actively guided support groups for AS and is currently teaching others how to advocate for this disease through her blog. Her passion is fully reignited to become a public speaker and well-known patient advocate for AS.

In conclusion, all three individuals are beginning new journeys with newfound goals and experiences. They are became transformed from their diseases, spiritually, physically, and mentally, yet their hearts continue pushing forward.

Incentives

$5

Thank you!

Every dollar counts and we appreciate your support!

$15

Shout-out

A Facebook shout-out from us, showing off that YOU contributed to the completion of this film!

$25

Digital Access to Film & Custom Banner

Cozy up wherever you are because you're getting digital access to the film upon its 2019 release! Yay! In addition, we will create a custom Photoshop image of yourself with our banner as way of celebrating your contribution to our campaign! Fans will be able to see this on our Facebook page and you'll get to post it on your social media, or better yet, use it as a profile pic!

$50

Not Out of Spoons Yet!

Show off that you're a fan of this film with 2 Becoming Incurable buttons AND stickers!

In addition, you'll receive an official "Thank You" in the FILM CREDITS along with above rewards!

$75

Early Digital Access

Are you way too impatient to see this film? We got something for you!

In addition to the above rewards, you'll get early digital access to the film prior to its release, digital access to bonus features, AND you'll get to download the soundtrack!!

$100

Ticket to the Premiere & DVD

Meet the filmmaker and subjects of the film by receiving 1x ticket to the Sacramento premiere of Becoming Incurable!! (travel and lodging not included) You'll also receive a DVD disc of the film that also includes bonus features. You receive all of the above rewards as well!!

$250

Screen the Film & Skype Call

You'll receive a Public Screening Package with licensing upon release. Since we're SO grateful that you're taking this initiative, you will also receive a Skype call with the director and she will express her gratitude via face to digital face! You will receive all the above rewards as well!

$500

Special Thank You and PARTAY with us!

Get even MORE exclusive access of the film by receiving an invite to our private screening party before the premiere, where you'll get to meet everyone who helped to make this film! (Travel and lodging not included). In addition to the above rewards, you'll also get to see yourself in the film by getting a Special Thank You in the credits!!

$1,000

Framed Artwork and a Plus One

Are you loving the artwork we've been using to promote this film? Now, you can hang them up on your wall!! In addition to the above rewards, you'll receive 3 framed artworks created by Jewel Suan for the film!! You can see all of her talented work on Instagram - @Swans.garden

You'll ALSO receive a plus 1 guest invite to the screening party! (Travel and lodging not included)

$2,500

Associate Producer Credit

You're way too fabulous NOT to get a credit in the film and we embrace whoever can help to this capacity!! In addition to the above rewards, you'll receive an Associate Producer Credit in the film!! You'll get access to the rough cuts and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

$5,000

Producer Credit and Invitations

You want to be one of the major players who helped get this film out there. In helping us to this capacity, you'll receive a Producer Credit in the film as well as invites to festival screenings and promotional events alongside the filmmaker and subjects of the film! You will get access to the rough cut and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

$10,000

Executive Producer Credit, Mentions, and Invitations

You want to help us make waves in the world. Whether you're a person or organization, you will be an official Executive Producer AND your name will be mentioned in the press alongside our film.

If you're an organization or company, your logo will be attached to our film on our website and on almost all other promotional materials.

You will also get access to the rough cuts and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

$2,800 to go

costs $2,800

How much would you like to pledge?

$2,200 to go

costs $2,200

How much would you like to pledge?

$5

Thank you!

Every dollar counts and we appreciate your support!

$15

Shout-out

A Facebook shout-out from us, showing off that YOU contributed to the completion of this film!

$25

Digital Access to Film & Custom Banner

Cozy up wherever you are because you're getting digital access to the film upon its 2019 release! Yay! In addition, we will create a custom Photoshop image of yourself with our banner as way of celebrating your contribution to our campaign! Fans will be able to see this on our Facebook page and you'll get to post it on your social media, or better yet, use it as a profile pic!

$50

Not Out of Spoons Yet!

Show off that you're a fan of this film with 2 Becoming Incurable buttons AND stickers!

In addition, you'll receive an official "Thank You" in the FILM CREDITS along with above rewards!

$75

Early Digital Access

Are you way too impatient to see this film? We got something for you!

In addition to the above rewards, you'll get early digital access to the film prior to its release, digital access to bonus features, AND you'll get to download the soundtrack!!

$100

Ticket to the Premiere & DVD

Meet the filmmaker and subjects of the film by receiving 1x ticket to the Sacramento premiere of Becoming Incurable!! (travel and lodging not included) You'll also receive a DVD disc of the film that also includes bonus features. You receive all of the above rewards as well!!

$250

Screen the Film & Skype Call

You'll receive a Public Screening Package with licensing upon release. Since we're SO grateful that you're taking this initiative, you will also receive a Skype call with the director and she will express her gratitude via face to digital face! You will receive all the above rewards as well!

$500

Special Thank You and PARTAY with us!

Get even MORE exclusive access of the film by receiving an invite to our private screening party before the premiere, where you'll get to meet everyone who helped to make this film! (Travel and lodging not included). In addition to the above rewards, you'll also get to see yourself in the film by getting a Special Thank You in the credits!!

$1,000

Framed Artwork and a Plus One

Are you loving the artwork we've been using to promote this film? Now, you can hang them up on your wall!! In addition to the above rewards, you'll receive 3 framed artworks created by Jewel Suan for the film!! You can see all of her talented work on Instagram - @Swans.garden

You'll ALSO receive a plus 1 guest invite to the screening party! (Travel and lodging not included)

$2,500

Associate Producer Credit

You're way too fabulous NOT to get a credit in the film and we embrace whoever can help to this capacity!! In addition to the above rewards, you'll receive an Associate Producer Credit in the film!! You'll get access to the rough cuts and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

$5,000

Producer Credit and Invitations

You want to be one of the major players who helped get this film out there. In helping us to this capacity, you'll receive a Producer Credit in the film as well as invites to festival screenings and promotional events alongside the filmmaker and subjects of the film! You will get access to the rough cut and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

$10,000

Executive Producer Credit, Mentions, and Invitations

You want to help us make waves in the world. Whether you're a person or organization, you will be an official Executive Producer AND your name will be mentioned in the press alongside our film.

If you're an organization or company, your logo will be attached to our film on our website and on almost all other promotional materials.

You will also get access to the rough cuts and continued updates throughout the progress of the film finishing process!

Current Team

About This Team

Victoria Suan is the filmmaker behind Becoming Incurable, her first feature film. From shooting to editing to building a relationship with her subjects, she does it all! Her experience includes creating short films, documentaries, and docu-style commercials with The Film Squad, a production company in Sacramento.

Jeffrey Fong is a passionate filmmaker who's assisted on production and is currently assisting in post-production! His experience includes directing and writing a narrative feature, producing commercial content, and creating short films. Jeff is also the head of The Film Squad.

Casey Groat is a talented musician who experiments and creates. Casey's tasked to score the soundtrack to the film and in addition to this, he connects to this project on a personal level. Casey struggles with Hashimoto's Disease, a chronic illness that affects his thyroid and thus his ability to sing. You can find his music portfolio here: https://caseygroat.bandcamp.com/music

Your message has been sent!

Hi there! We're excited for you to send your first message.

Just a reminder, use messaging respectfully and appropriately. As a community of filmmakers and film lovers, we're here to tell stories, expand imaginations, build bridges and deepen empathy. Like everything on our platform, be supportive, create healthy debate, never get nasty and definitely don't spam. To use Seed&Spark, you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Your response has been saved. Thanks!

Terms

>

Basic Info

Before we get started, please confirm the following:

I will not be running a campaign for this project on another platform simultaneouslyI understand that I need to reach at least 80% of my goal to keep the funds raisedI have ( or someone on my team has ) a US bank account and SSN or EIN